Question

Write a polynomial P(x) of degree 4 and with zeros 1, 3/2, (which of multiplicity one) and 0 (of multiplicity 2).

Answer 1

The polynomial is

P(x) = 2x⁴ - 5x³ + 3x²

Step-by-step explanation

We are told to write a polynomial of degree 4 with zeros (roots)

x = 1

x = (3/2) = 1.5

x = 0

x = 0 (multiplicity of 2 means it appears twice)

So, we can piece together the polynomial

P(x) = (x - 1) (x - 1.5) (x) (x)

We can write this as

P(x) = x² (x - 1) (x - 1.5)

= (x³ - x²) (x - 1.5)

We can multiply through by 2 to turn the 1.5 into a whole number

P(x) = (x³ - x²) (2x - 3)

= x³ (2x - 3) - x² (2x - 3)

= 2x⁴ - 3³ - 2³ + 3x²

= 2x⁴ - 5x³ + 3x²

Hope this Helps!!!